Hemp has been used for thousands of years for its large production of fiber, as medicine and oil. In China, herbalists used hemp in preparation of healing remedies, and in Africa hemp was used for fevers or to treat snake bites.
What is Hemp?
Isn’t hemp a forbidden crop, drug, marijuana? And if yes, how come it is beneficial for humans?
Hemp, also known as marijuana Cannabis Sativa is one of the most useful and among the oldest crops on the planet. The name is derived from the Greek cannabis and Latin Sativa meaning “useful.”
This hardy plant grows each year, and it usually reaches heights of one to five meters. It has a central stalk and woody stems; its bark contains long fibers.
Throughout history, this amazing plant has been used in a myriad of forms: for making clothes, paper, candles, canvas, cardboard, plastics, coal, cosmetics (shampoo, lotions, and soaps), fuel and food.
Each part of this crop can be used including the seeds, leaves, and roots. While the stalk has the longest and strongest fibers around a woody core, the leaves and roots are used to improve the soil. Hemp seeds are nutritious and high in protein, omega-3, 6 and nine fatty acid as well as GLAs (gamma linoleic acids). The seeds are easy to digest and often given to people who have trouble digesting food. Both humans and animals can eat hemp seeds. The seeds can be eaten whole or ground into flour, where hemp flour is used in baking. Out of the hemp seeds, a precious, healthy oil is made.
Hemp Benefits
- Excellent source of protein
- Nourishes skin and hair
- Good for people with eczema and psoriasis
- Good for digestion
- Improves circulation
- Increases energy levels
- Balances cholesterol levels
- Strengthens the immune system
- Essential for heart health
- Beneficial for brain health
- Lowers blood pressure
In 1800 a western physician published that hemp can be used in the treatment of rheumatism and epilepsy. Today, the Institute of Lancet states writes: “smoking marijuana had benefits for the terminally ill, and recommended immediate development of an inhalation device to provide a safe alternative for those who needed the drug.”
And on Dr. Oz’s pages, Dr. Louis Rosner states writes: “Cannabis has been proven, for the first time, to be an effective treatment for the symptoms of multiple sclerosis (MS).”
Hemp Milk
Hemp milk is produced from hemp seeds. Organic milk has no sugar, and it is free of soy and gluten. This milk is an alternative for vegetarians, vegans, and those who do not tolerate dairy products. Hemp milk is a vital source of essential nutrients. It is rich in Vitamin A, D, E, B12, Magnesium, Zinc, Iron, Folic Acid and more.
Agriculture, paper, fuel and the environment
Unlike other plants, hemp can be grown almost anywhere, and it does not require harmful agricultural chemicals such as fertilizers and uses no pesticides, thus, being beneficial for the environment and the soil. While some plants are known to exhaust the soil fully, hemp actually nourishes the soil with its leaves rich in minerals. As soon as they drop off, they return to the soil. Hemp’s cellulose level is almost three times that of wood.
Did you know that hemp stalk has the longest and strongest soft fibers containing about one-third cellulose (cellulose is used to manufacture paper, plastic)?
The process of making paper requires much less energy and fewer chemicals than tree paper processing. It also does not create harmful byproducts of the paper/making process like dioxins or chloroform. Here are some benefits:
- Safer to grow than cotton
- Environmentally friendly
- It can replace wood. No need to cut down forests
- Excellent crop for making paper
- Hemp oil can be used to produce biofuel to replace gasoline (bio-fuels are renewable, less pollution into the air and soil)
While some countries have legal restrictions, others produce healthy products made from hemp seeds. Anyhow, there are enough facts and proofs that not only humans and animals can benefit from this crop, but also agriculture and our planet. Will the law change to benefit the farmers and the planet? Only time will tell. Until then, those who can enjoy the most profitable crop in our plant. To your hemp health!
It is your turn now! What are your thoughts about hemp? Have you been using hemp oil? Share your positive experience with us.
